The Guardians of the Galaxy, cherished heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since their 2014 debut, are a group of endearing, unconventional superheroes.
Initially consisting of Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, and Groot, this team has evolved with each MCU appearance.
In the “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” film in 2023, Mantis, Nebula, Kraglin, and Cosmo, the Russian Telekinetic space dog, joined the ranks of James Gunn’s distinctive style.
But since then, there has been no word on their return for a fourth film. So, will we get to see Guardians of the Galaxy 4?
Marvel Studios hasn’t confirmed “Guardians of the Galaxy 4” yet. Still, the potential is there, as “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” introduces a new team of Rocket, Groot, Kraglin, Cosmo, Adam Warlock, and Phyla-Vell in the mid-credits scene. James Gunn also supports the idea of other directors continuing the Guardians’ legacy. The franchise’s box office success, with “Vol. 3” earning $844.6 million worldwide, further encourages Marvel to explore another film.
Why Should Marvel Studios Make a Guardians of the Galaxy 4? Have They Announced a New Film in This Franchise?
The Guardians of the Galaxy, brought to life by writer-director James Gunn, was crafted with a distinct vision from the beginning. Gunn’s intention was clear – “Vol. 3” would serve as their swan song.
The movie, however, concludes on a hopeful note, leaving all surviving Guardians on diverse paths. Considering the vast potential within the ever-expanding MCU, this leaves fans eager for more.
James Gunn himself confirmed that “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” marked the end of an era. His statement on Deadline’s Hero Nation podcast unequivocally stated:
“This is the end for us … [Vol. 3 is] the last time people will see this team of Guardians.”
While fans may yearn for a fourth installment, the departure of two main cast members complicates matters further.
Dave Bautista, best known for his role of Drax, declared his departure, emphasizing that his character has been given a fitting end.
Zoe Saldana, who portrayed Gamora, also considers her journey as Gamora concluded—both actors, however, left room for the possibility of a new iteration of the Guardians.
Now, the question arises: could Drax and Gamora be recast if the Guardians return? Marvel might explore alternative avenues to continue the narrative without them if feasible.
One such avenue is in the new characters.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” also offers a glimpse of a potential new team in the mid-credits scene, featuring Rocket, Groot, Kraglin, Cosmo, Adam Warlock, and Phyla-Vell.
So, a new Guardians film could move forward with them as the new team. However, there’s another snag in the plan.
James Gunn’s creative genius is undeniably linked to the success of the Guardians. The cast has praised him for crafting humorous yet captivating characters.
But Gunn transitioned to DC Studios in 2022, where he is busy crafting the DCU. So, it doesn’t look like he will return to the MCU soon.
However, he has given Marvel his blessing to carry on the Guardian’s legacy with other directors. In an interview with Esquire Middle East, he said:
“I think as long as somebody brings themselves to it and doesn’t just try to copy that style — I think it can be really amazing. And there are so many directors I would like to do that. And I would love to see it happen.”
The franchise’s box office success is another strong motivator for Marvel to make another film.
“Guardians” ranks among the highest-grossing MCU franchises, with “Vol. 3” amassing $844.6 million worldwide.
While slightly less than “Vol. 2,” it surpasses “Vol. 1.” Even before “Vol. 3,” “Vol. 1” was the 16th highest-grossing MCU film. A “Vol. 4” seems plausible based on this financial success.
Despite these factors, Marvel Studios has yet to officially confirm a fourth Guardians film. Fans must wait with bated breath to see if the beloved team will grace the big screen again.
All the Guardians of the Galaxy films are streaming on Disney+.
Will we get a Guardians of the Galaxy 4 in some form? Or is it the end of the franchise for now?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Esquire Middle East and Deadline
